SLIDESHOW: They don't make mice like they used to

This mouse floats

Nearly 50 years ago, UC Berkeley College of Engineering researcher Douglas Carlcreated the first mouse carved from wood with two wheels mounted on the bottom. Today, entrepreneurs are rethinking the computer mouse. Here's a look at some of the most recent computer mouse innovations by the Douglas Carls of today. First up is the levitating mouse designed by KIBARDINDESIGN, which is run by Russian developer Vadim Kibardin. The mouse, which is called the Bat, has a base, mouse pad and floating mouse with a magnet ring that keeps it afloat. The idea behind the levitating mouse is to prevent and treat carpal tunnel syndrome, according to the designer's website.

Kibardin Design

Multitasking mice

EGO! Smartmouse is a mouse that works across multiple digital devices, including your laptop, desktop, smart TV and whiteboard. The mouse saves the data from one devices and allows you to transfer it to other devices. The London-based project is currently listed on Kickstarter and met £14,454 ($21,796) of its £20,000 ($30,159) goal with 36 days to go.

EGO! Smartmouse

This mouse's name is Mauz

Mauz is a device that lets you turn your smartphone into a computer mouse. The Mauz device, designed by California developer Gilad Meiri, plugs into your smartphones USB drive and allows you to control computers using the phone, physical gestures and visual cues. The Kickstarter project has only raised about $27,000 of its $150,000 goal with 49 hours to go.

Mauz

Put a ring on it? Put a mouse on it!

Mycestro is a 3D mouse that fits on your finger like a ring and allows you to control your computer with hand gestures and buttons on the side of the mouse. The Kickstarter project has well surpassed its $100,000 goal by raising $200,000 with at least 20 more days to go.

Mycestro

Hand gestures that don't get you in trouble

The Leap Motion Controller has probably received the most attention for its complete retooling of computer mouse technology. The controller is connected to the digital device of your choice and you are able to control everything on the device with hand gestures alone. The device has a 150-degree field of view and tracks hand movements at up to 290 frames a second, writes Investor's Business Daily. The device is expected to hit Best Buy stores on May 19 and it's currently available for pre-orders for $70, writes the Christian Science Monitor.